Jennifer Hudson joins Perry’s ‘Family’

Lathan, Bates, Woodard also set for drama

Jennifer Hudson is negotiating to star in “Tyler Perry’s the Family That Preys,” a drama Perry wrote and will direct and star in for Lionsgate.

Sanaa Lathan, Kathy Bates, Alfre Woodard and Rockmond Dunbar are already set for the project, which begins shooting March 2 at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.

Script focuses on two families from different sides of the tracks that become intimately involved in love and business.

Pic is Perry’s sixth for Lionsgate. He scored his last hit with “Why Did I Get Married?” and will follow “The Family That Preys” by directing “Madea Goes to Jail,” based on his stage play. Lionsgate opens Perry’s “Meet the Browns” on March 21.

“The Family That Preys” will be Perry’s first film with a prominent storyline involving white characters. Perry will produce with Reuben Cannon.